Update #9

Bike Lanes installed on the Windsor Vernon Seymour Bikeway
Early in October, Phase One of the Windsor-Vernon-Seymour Bikeway was installed. On June 25, 2013, Regional Council approved the development of the route as a central north-south cycling corridor on the peninsula. This phase consists of painted bike lanes on Windsor Street, extending from the intersection of Bayers Road and Young Street, south to the intersection of Welsford Street. Eventually, this will be a three km route that will provide a connected spine through the centre of the Halifax peninsula.

There are a number of changes associated with the installation of the bike lane, including the elimination of on-street parking on this section of Windsor Street. To help compensate for the reduction in on-street parking on Windsor Street, parking restriction changes will be made on some side streets to provide increased time limited parking for residents, guests and business customers. The streets include Welsford, Williams, Lawrence, Duncan, Summit and Windsor Terrace. Additional side street parking may be added in the future subject to usage and requests, and on the ability of each street to accommodate additional parking

There will also be modifications to some of the signalized intersections along the route. In particular, road users will note new shared lane signage and pavement markings at the intersection of Chebucto Road/Cunard Street and Windsor Street where the bike lane will be interrupted.

The Windsor-Vernon-Seymour Bikeway is one part of HRM’s Active Transportation Functional Plan. The plan identifies a number of streets for consideration for bike routes on the peninsula. Since the approval of the plan, new bike lanes have been added on a small section of Windsor Street north of Young Street, a section of Lower Water Street, and on Bell Road and South Park Streets. Segments of Active Transportation Greenway have been built adjacent to Barrington Street, Beaufort Avenue and Trollope Street. While these facilities are beneficial, a key objective in the next few years will be to connect these segments and further develop the on-road cycling network. The Windsor-Vernon-Seymour Bikeway will help in attaining this objective.

Mark Your Calendar: Help Shape HRM’s Budget
HRM is inviting residents to provide feedback on budget priorities. Sessions will be held in Dartmouth at the Marine Drive Community Council meeting on November 14 at 7 PM, in Lower Sackville at the North West Community Council on November 17 at 7 PM, and at the Canada Games Centre (26 Thomas Raddall Drive) at the Halifax and West Community Council meeting at 7 PM on December 2. Information on community council can be found at www.Halifax.ca/commcoun/index.html

If you are not able to attend one of these sessions, an opportunity to participate will be found online at shapeyourcity.ca/hfxtax in mid-November.

Roundabout Projects at North Park Intersections Update
Roundabouts are being designed for the two intersections at North Park/Cunard and North Park/Cogswell. The next public engagement session will be held early in 2014. For an update on the Roundabout projects proposed at North Park intersections please go to:http://www.halifax.ca/shapeyourcity/NorthParkIntersectionRedesign.html

Shape Your City
HRM has launched a new website which will help you keep up-to-date on projects and provide an opportunity to have your voice heard. Please visit: http://shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/

Solid Waste Review
Phase 1 of the solid waste strategy review community engagement program consisted of consultations with industry stakeholders, residents of the communities in nearest proximity to the Otter Lake landfill, and members of the general public across HRM. A summary of key themes that have arisen in the engagement process thus far and the relative weight of each category of feedback is presented in the Midterm Project Report found here: http://shapeyourcityhalifax.ca/solid-waste-management

Planning and Design Centre Launches the Cities Alive Podcast
The podcast facilitates planning dialogue and mobilizes grassroots planning efforts by offering citizens a vehicle to share stories and be inspired by others. Each podcast will explore a theme or question by weaving together stories and insights from citizens, change-makers, experts and artists from the Atlantic region as well as stories from abroad. Check the PDC website for a download link: http://pdcentre.ca/2013/10/cities-alive-launches-episode-ii-neighbourhoods/

Volunteer Conference 2013: November 22 & 23
HRM has a deep history of volunteerism. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 volunteers throughout the communities of HRM contribute approximately 318,000 hours of service yearly.

One way that HRM recognizes and supports its local volunteers is through the Annual HRM Volunteer Conference. This year marks the 13th year for the conference which provides valuable networking and learning opportunities. Volunteering contributes towards public safety, fosters good neighbours and builds great neighbourhoods. For details, please visit: http://www.halifax.ca/volunteerservices/VolunteerConference.html

Apps4Halifax Deadline: November 29, 2013
As part of the Open Data Pilot Project, HRM is launching Apps4Halifax to encourage the meaningful and productive use of the released datasets to improve citizen engagement and enhance transparency. The contest seeks to reward both citizens and developers with some great prizes. For more information, visit: www.apps4halifax.ca

Snow Removal for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities – December 1 Deadline
The snow removal program is available to seniors (65 years of age or older) and persons with disabilities in Halifax Regional Municipality. The program applies to residential properties only. Deadline for applications is Dec 1 or when the program reaches capacity. For further information, please call 311 or visit: http://www.halifax.ca/services/seniorssnow.html

HRM on Social Media
Connect and stay current through HRM’s official social media channels and RSS feeds. A current list can be found here: http://www.halifax.ca/socialmedia/

311 – HRM’s Citizen Contact Centre
HRM’s Citizen Contact Centre is open seven days/week from 7 am to 11 pm to respond to routine inquiries and complaints from HRM residents. Please use this service since it helps HRM keep track of issues that are of concern for residents (missed solid waste pickup, sidewalks not cleared, transit info or complaints, etc.) For more information on the service please go to: http://www.halifax.ca/311/